Santa Cruz La Laguna

Sightseeing Walking Tours

The day begins in Santa Cruz la Laguna, the rugged north shore of Lake Atitlan. The north shore of Lake Atitlan has no true road access, so you will be hiking along ancient paths that have been used by the Kachekel Maya for centuries. You will view villagers going about their daily life, encounter farmers tending their maiz and coffee fields, and see some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. This rugged and remote section of Lake Atitlan has barely been touched by the outside world.  Our hike takes us several hundred feet above the ever changing waters of Atitlan for breath taking views of the famous volcanoes. Then descend into the Pumpatin Canyon for a nature walk along the banks of the river. You will experience two different ecosystems as we walk from the upper lake shore into the narrow canyon. The further into the Pumpatin Canyon we hike, the more waterfalls we see. We have the potential to find up to 5 waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river, and take a swim if you desire.

Learn about the projects to improve the education and provide a higher standard of living for the indigenous Mayans of Santa Cruz. Amigos de Santa Cruz have been active in the remote village for over 15 years, making great progress in improving the education of the children, providing opportunites for higher education, and teaching better nutrition, self-awareness, and citizen responsibility. See how programs, such as early childhood education, community development, sex education, and sustainable food production are helping to improve the lives of the locals, and how the farmers are yielding better crops through permaculture and organic gardening. Visit the retail craft store to find unique handicrafts made by the students, including aprons, bags, beaded jewelry, wood and metal items, children's puzzles, puppets, and candlestick holders. Go to the town square with its centuries old church, and visit a family home to watch women practice the art of the backstrap loom. During your tour, a delicious lunch will be served by the students in the student run café inside the vocational training center. Help plant a seed of hope for a better future with your visit, and learn more about this ancient culture along the way.